Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United: Match of contrasting result

In the history of the premier league, this match will rank among those games with the most damning result as regards the run of play. How do you reconcile 14 saves in a game and still won by 3-1? Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea was the hero of the night as he denied Arsenal all the goal scoring chances on the night.

Arsenal head into the game without losing at home so far in the league. Also, their season has been on their home form record. So, playing a United side that naturally defend against the top opposition was meant to be a game Arsenal should be taking.

This was not to be on the night as United raced into the lead four minutes into the match. It was from a grave error from Shkrodran Mustafi. Valencia was the beneficiary. It didn’t take long before United double the lead from another Mustafi gaffe. This time, it was Jesse Lingard that double United’s lead. So, at 11-minute, Arsenal were already chasing the game in front of their fans.

This was now the point the pressing begins. All attempt to get something back in the game was rebuffed by the heroic De Gea. It was immediately after the break that Arsenal effort late road off from a goal which was almost missed all thanks to Alexandre Lacazette who scored and reduced the deficit to 1-2.

While trying to get the equalizer, Arsenal in their usual school boy defensive mistakes allow United to counter and scored their third and Lingard’s second in the 63rd minute.

No matter how much praise is showered on De Gea, it does not take away the fact that Arsenal were very poor defensively. This has been their problem all through the season and it has finally caused them a massive three points.

Even the red card to Pogba on 74th minute, with more than 15 minutes on the clock did not save the North London club. Wenger needs to work on the high number of defensive mistakes that the team commit as it’s costing them too much.